A group of talented artists were given what seemed to be a simple task: draw two sketches. They were paired up and asked to sketch the other person. They were able to create some incredibly lifelike renderings, down to the tiniest details, like a freckle on the person's nose or a dimple when they smiled.
Then, the task took a hard turn. They were asked to sketch a picture of themselves from memory. No mirrors or photos were allowed, just the simple task of drawing what they thought they looked like from their own perspective. After they finished, they picked up the first picture that their partner had drawn and were asked to compare them.
Some of these sketches were dramatically different. In the self-portrait, features were exaggerated, like a nose suddenly becoming too big or eyes too small. Wrinkles were added where none existed. Hair that had been vibrant and flowing in the partner's rendering was lifeless and limp in their own sketch. Dead expressions replaced beautiful smiles.
People whose lives were built around seeing the beauty in the world around them couldn't see their own.
When you look into the mirror, what do you see?
So many successful people don't see themselves as a success simply because they are missing something they think should be there. They aren't driving the expensive sports car, or they don't live in the huge house. The pricey clothes or flashy jewelry aren't there like they feel it should be.
But success is something different for everyone. Yes, some people do use wealth and "things" as a marker of it, but just because you can afford a nice watch doesn't automatically mean you've made it. And just because you can't afford it doesn't mean you haven't!
How do you see yourself? How do you gauge your own personal success?
Most people are doing far better than they give themselves credit for. People respect them and even look up to them as role models, yet they aren't in flashy clothes or have impressive-sounding titles behind their names. The problem is we often focus on our flaws and ignore the things we're doing right.
The artists couldn't draw an accurate picture of themselves because they focused on the perceived imperfections other people never noticed. They felt that certain things were obvious when others around them never gave them a second thought. Do we do the same?
If you asked someone else to write your story, I'll bet you'd be surprised by the details they ignored and the others they focused on. We seldom realize the legacy we leave behind because we feel insignificant or like we are not fulfilling our destiny.
We are often too hard on ourselves. It's not fair, though! Give yourself credit. I can almost guarantee that you are more successful than you think, and other people likely see you as doing much better than you realize.
Be impressed by that person looking back at you in the mirror. They are amazing!
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